Waynesburg University

Department of Biology, Environmental Science, and Health Science

Majors

Minors

Biology Minor

Overview

The biology programs provide a wide range of courses and many opportunities to learn about the study of life and living organisms. Students completing a degree in Biology are prepared for the pursuit of exciting and fulfilling careers in fields such as medicine, physical therapy, secondary teaching, and research in the biological sciences. Biological core courses provide a strong background in structural, biochemical, and biophysical mechanisms of function. The core courses also emphasize critical thinking and the scientific method. Students develop an understanding of not only what science has learned, but the process of scientific enquiry. These tenets are emphasized throughout the curriculum and are reinforced in a “capstone” experience, the Senior Research Project.

In addition to the traditional Biology program, majors choose from a number of different options. Students interested in professional careers in medicine and dentistry will fulfill prerequisites needed to be considered for application to accredited medical/dental schools and to sit for the appropriate test (e.g., MCAT). Students pursuing Marine Biology have special requirements.

Students seeking Secondary Education certification in Biology and General Science must complete the extensive list of science and education courses for the Biology Major (Secondary Education Option –- Bachelor of Science) degree. However, students seeking Secondary Education certification without the General Science option can complete the Biology Major (Secondary Education Option –– Bachelor of Arts). Regardless of which option a student elects to follow, the demand for high quality high school education around the country continues to grow.

An increasingly important area of science is the study of the interface between humans and the environment. The Environmental Science Major provides students with the necessary tools to pursue employment or graduate school opportunities in those areas.

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher in the major in order to progress to the junior year and senior year. All required courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C- or higher, and a student may repeat a required course no more than once.